8.1 Puberty and Physical Changes

Puberty brings a whirlwind of hormonal changes that transform kids into adults. From growth spurts to voice changes, these shifts shape bodies and minds. Understanding the process helps teens navigate this exciting yet challenging time.

Timing matters too. Early or late puberty can affect self-esteem, social relationships, and even long-term health. By recognizing these impacts, we can better support adolescents through their unique journeys of development.

Puberty and Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during puberty

Top images from around the web for Hormonal changes during puberty

• 

  Frontiers | Links Between Testosterone, Oestrogen, and the Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Development of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems | Anatomy and Physiology II View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Delayed puberty classification - wikidoc View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Links Between Testosterone, Oestrogen, and the Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Development of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems | Anatomy and Physiology II View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Hormonal changes during puberty

• 

  Frontiers | Links Between Testosterone, Oestrogen, and the Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Development of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems | Anatomy and Physiology II View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Delayed puberty classification - wikidoc View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Links Between Testosterone, Oestrogen, and the Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Development of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems | Anatomy and Physiology II View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus increases significantly
  • Stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release higher levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• LH and FSH act on the gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males) to stimulate their development and function
  • Gonads produce sex hormones: estrogen and progesterone in females, testosterone in males
• Estrogen effects in females lead to secondary sexual characteristics
  • Breast development (thelarche)
  • Widening of hips due to fat redistribution and skeletal changes
  • Redistribution of body fat to hips, thighs, and buttocks
  • Growth and maturation of the uterus, vagina, and other reproductive organs
  • Onset of menstruation (menarche), marking the beginning of reproductive capability
• Testosterone effects in males result in masculine features
  • Growth and enlargement of the penis, testes, and scrotum
  • Deepening of the voice due to laryngeal growth and thickening of vocal cords
  • Increased muscle mass and strength, particularly in the shoulders and upper body
  • Facial and body hair growth, including beard, mustache, chest, and back hair
• Adrenal androgens (such as dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA) increase in both sexes during adrenarche
  • Contribute to the development of pubic hair, axillary hair (armpit), and body odor
  • Stimulate the activity of sebaceous glands, leading to increased oil production and acne

Sequence of pubertal development

• Females typically begin and complete puberty earlier than males
  1. Breast development (thelarche): usually the first sign, occurring between ages 8-13 years
  2. Pubic hair growth (pubarche): typically starts shortly after breast development, between ages 8-14 years
  3. Peak height velocity: the period of most rapid growth, usually occurs between ages 10-14 years
  4. Menarche: the onset of menstruation, typically occurs 2-3 years after thelarche, between ages 10-16 years
• Males follow a different sequence and timing of pubertal milestones
  1. Testicular enlargement: the first sign of puberty in males, occurring between ages 9-14 years
  2. Pubic hair growth: usually starts after testicular enlargement, between ages 10-15 years
  3. Peak height velocity: occurs later than in females, typically between ages 12-16 years
  4. Spermarche (first ejaculation): occurs as a result of testicular maturation, usually between ages 11-16 years
  5. Voice changes and facial hair growth: typically the last changes, occurring between ages 13-17 years

Impact of pubertal timing variations

• Early maturation in females can lead to various psychosocial challenges
  • Higher risk of developing depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia)
  • Earlier engagement in sexual activities and increased risk of teenage pregnancy
  • Increased susceptibility to peer pressure and risk of substance abuse (alcohol, drugs)
  • Difficulty relating to later-maturing peers due to differences in interests and experiences
• Late maturation in females may also have psychological consequences
  • Lower self-esteem and body image concerns due to perceived delay in development
  • Feelings of social isolation and peer rejection, as they may not fit in with more physically mature peers
• Early maturation in males is often associated with positive psychosocial outcomes
  • Higher self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills
  • Increased popularity and social status among peers
  • However, they may also be at increased risk of engaging in substance abuse and delinquent behavior
• Late maturation in males can lead to emotional and social difficulties
  • Lower self-esteem and body image issues, particularly in comparison to earlier-maturing peers
  • Feelings of social isolation, peer rejection, and difficulty forming romantic relationships
  • Increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other internalizing disorders

Health risks of atypical onset

• Early pubertal onset can have long-term health implications
  • Increased risk of breast cancer in females due to longer lifetime exposure to estrogen
  • Higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease
  • Increased risk of type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance and other metabolic changes
  • Greater likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse and unprotected sexual activity
• Late pubertal onset may also pose certain health risks
  • Reduced bone mineral density and increased risk of osteoporosis later in life due to lower peak bone mass
  • Delayed sexual maturation and potential fertility issues, particularly if puberty is significantly delayed
  • Psychosocial distress and mental health concerns due to perceived developmental delay compared to peers
  • Increased risk of being bullied, teased, or socially excluded by peers due to physical differences